Advanced Networking Protocols for Telecommunications (Graduate Certificate)

Who should apply?

Both early-career students and more experienced technical professionals will be empowered by the knowledge and tools gained from this program. Students may earn the certificate as part of the hybrid online MS in Telecommunications program.

Why choose George Mason?

• George Mason is ideally located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s high tech corridor, which allows for matured industry partnerships.
• This program can be successfully completed on a part-time or full-time basis to fit with your schedule.
• The majority of courses can be completed from anywhere you need to be – domestically or internationally.

Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.

Requirements: 15 credits total

• 9 credits core courses
• 6 credits elective courses

Sufficient courses are offered to complete the entire graduate certificate online. Most online courses are delivered synchronously and offerings vary by semester.

Prerequisite courses or instructor permission may be required for some courses.

Required Courses

• TCOM 609 Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP) Routing | 3 credits
• TCOM 610 Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Routing | 3 credits

And choose one of the following:

• TCOM 515 Internet Protocol Routing: Lecture and Laboratory Course | 3 credits
• TCOM 535 The TCP/IP Suite of Internet Protocols | 3 credits

Elective Courses (Choose Two)

• TCOM 515 Internet Protocol Routing: Lecture and Laboratory Course | 3 credits
• TCOM 535 The TCP/IP Suite of Internet Protocols | 3 credits
• TCOM 611 Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) | 3 credits
• TCOM 662 Advanced Secure Networking | 3 credits

Please note that TCOM 515 and TCOM 535 cannot be taken twice for credit. If you take either in the core element, then the course(s) may not be repeated in the elective element.

Tuition (2018-2019)

Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.

Financial Aid

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, your current employer may provide tuition reimbursement opportunities for graduate studies.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be highly qualified for the following positions:

• Network engineer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average median pay for network engineers in 2010 was $75,000 annually and predicts a 22% growth of jobs in the field by 2020.

• Network administrator. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average median pay for network administrators in 2010 was $69,160 annually and predicts a 28% growth of jobs in the field by 2020.

As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.

All applicants should review Office of Graduate Admissions steps for How to Apply. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.

Prerequisites

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited university or the equivalent from an international university
• Maintain an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (a lower GPA may be accepted if work experience in the field indicates ability to succeed in the program)

Application Materials*

• Graduate application
• Application fee
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Goals statement describing your motivation for pursing this certificate and why you feel you are qualified for it
• One letter of recommendation
• Current resume

*Students who have already been admitted to the MS in Telecommunications program only need to submit a Graduate Secondary Certificate Program Application. Speak with your academic advisor before applying.

If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the TCOM Office tcom@gmu.edu or 703-993-3810.